The hue gurus have spoken, as they do every year, scanning the spectrum to anoint one color that they predict will make a splash in the months ahead.

And for 2012, they're bullish on bright orange -- or "Tangerine Tango," as the Pantone Color Institute has dubbed its "Color of the Year."

Tangerine Tango is a "spirited reddish orange" that will give us "the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward," according to Pantone.

There was a lot of bold orange on display at the recent High Point Fall Furniture Market, according to Robin Strangis, owner of Loring Interiors in Minneapolis and author of "The Color Idea Book."

"Orange has been around for a few years, but now we're seeing more products for the masses," she said. "There's more acceptance."

Strangis said the market showed orange-on-orange displays, "as an attention-getter, but that's not how you'd really use it."

While bright orange is dominant in fashion, it's generally toned down a bit for home use, or used with a calmer color, she said. "What you put with orange can make it traditional and safe or wild and funky," she said.

Pair it with green -- lime green if you're feeling frisky or a softer botanical green for a calmer look. Or use orange as an accent color -- in big pots, pillows or throws -- against a gray backdrop.

Of course, orange isn't everyone's cup of citrus. But for those who love it, it's a juicy pick-me-up, especially during a dreary Minnesota winter.